James Gurney

This daily weblog by Dinotopia creator James Gurney is for illustrators, plein-air painters, sketchers, comic artists, animators, art students, and writers. You'll find practical studio tips, insights into the making of the Dinotopia books, and first-hand reports from art schools and museums.

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or by email:gurneyjourney (at) gmail.comSorry, I can't give personal art advice or portfolio reviews. If you can, it's best to ask art questions in the blog comments.

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All images and text are copyright 2015 James Gurney and/or their respective owners. Dinotopia is a registered trademark of James Gurney. For use of text or images in traditional print media or for any commercial licensing rights, please email me for permission.

However, you can quote images or text without asking permission on your educational or non-commercial blog, website, or Facebook page as long as you give me credit and provide a link back. Students and teachers can also quote images or text for their non-commercial school activity. It's also OK to do an artistic copy of my paintings as a study exercise without asking permission.

this video brings up a question ive always had in mind. why do people always use the phrase:" i cant even draw a straight line"? I go to art center on a scholarship and among all things i cant draw a straight line without a ruler. maybe close, but technically still not straight. haha am i just thinking too much into this? or does anyone else feel the same way haha.

i think the phrase should be " i cant even draw a realistically rendered face."

GooGoo, a video commercial contest for I.R. is a great idea. Would people want to do this? Here are some suggested ideas:1. Limit length to 60 seconds.2. Post all results on YouTube and I'll embed all entries on G.J.3. Deadline could be end of October or so to give people time to see the book and do the vid.4. First prize: Signed I.R. and Dinotopia: Chandara. Second prize: signed IR. Third through fifth: Signed posters.5. Winner determined either by vote on blog poll or on number of views on YouTube. What do you think?6. People could use any talent they have, but the video would have to be created for the contest and feature the book in some way, even indirectly.

Let me know what you think. If people really like the idea and you like the rules, we can announce the contest at the end of Video Week.